"What have you guessed?" resumed the latter. "All the troublesome
susceptibility of an unfortunate creature, to whom destiny has decreed a
life apart. If I have hitherto been silent, it is not from ignorance of
what I owe you. Who told you, madame, that the only way to make me accept
your favors without blushing, was to give me some employment, that would
enable me to soothe the misfortunes I had so long shared? Who told you,
when you wished me to have a seat at your table, and to treat as your
friend the poor needlewoman, in whose person you sought to honor,
resignation and honest industry--who told you, when I answered with tears
of gratitude and regret, that it was not false modesty, but a
consciousness of my own ridiculous deformity, that made me refuse your
offer? Who told you that, but for this, I should have accepted it
proudly, in the name of all my low-born sisters? But you replied to me
with the touching words: 'I understand your refusal, my friend; it is not
occasioned by false modesty, but by a sentiment of dignity that I love
and respect.' Who told you," continued the workgirl, with increasing
animation, "that I should be so happy to find a little solitary retreat
in this magnificent house, which dazzles me with its splendor? Who guided
you in the choice of the apartment (still far too good) that you have
provided for me? Who taught you, that, without envying the beauty of the
charming creatures that surround you, and whom I love because they love
you, I should always feel, by an involuntary comparison, embarrassed and
ashamed before them? Who told you therefore to send them away, whenever
you wished to speak with me? Yes! who has revealed to you all the painful
and secret susceptibilities of a position like mine! Who has revealed
them to you? God, no doubt! who in His infinite majesty creates worlds,
and yet cares for the poor little insect hidden beneath the grass. And
you think, that the gratitude of a heart you have understood so well,
cannot rise in its turn to the knowledge of what may be hurtful to you?
No, no, lady; some people have the instinct of self preservation; others